Blatchford Dess Energy Centre #1

Edmonton, AB

District Energy systems centralize the production of heating or cooling for a geographical area. "Most district energy systems generate heat at a central plant or extract heat from other sources. The heat is transferred to a fluid and distributed via underground pipes to buildings where it is used for space and water heating. The fluid is then returned to the source to be reheated and recirculated. Some systems also provide space cooling in a similar way."

District energy systems come in different shapes and sizes. They vary according to the temperature of the fluid used for distribution -which could include steam, hot or ambient temperature water- and the type of fuels used to generate thermal energy including traditional fossil fuels (natural gas, diesel, propane), alternative fuels (biomas, biogas), and renewables (geo-exchange, waste heat recovery, solar, etc.).